ATS block for a generator: principle of operation, characteristics, do-it-yourself automatic reserve input

Among the huge variety of energy sources, electric current generators have become very popular. Such units are increasingly being used in country houses and dachas, as well as in many other places where there are problems with light. That is why consumers often purchase high-quality ATS units for generators, designed to automatically turn on backup power.

Unit characteristics

ATS device is a means of automatically turning on backup power, presented in the form a high-quality generator that generates current if the centralized power supply. The main task of the unit is to switch loads between the two sources in a timely manner and as quickly as possible.

Some ATS models are designed so that the consumer must make all the settings on his own, but most often on sale you can find equipment operating in automatic mode. The device is activated at the moment when the voltage loss signal is received. In everyday life, the use of such a unit has many positive reviews.

The ATS unit is programmed in such a way that its operation depends on the voltage level at a certain object, this item is controlled by the primary winding. The presence of a special switch provides reliable isolation of the generator from the negative effects of alternating current, which penetrates from the mains. During this period of time, the uninterruptible power supply is in the on state, which guarantees a stable supply of temporary power to all consumers. Well-coordinated work of the generator with ATS is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. After a power outage through the unit, a command is sent to the uninterruptible power supply to start work.
2. When the device receives a response that the generator is fully ready to perform its main function, the ATS connects it to the home power grid.
3. With the resumption of the centralized supply of current to a private house, a signal is sent to the automatic transfer switch that the backup device must be turned off.
4. The wiring between the home network and the generator switches automatically at the same time.

If the specialist has the necessary experience, then he can customize the switchings to ensure that only the most important areas are supplied with power.

Space heating systems, cooling equipment and other schemes are designated as priority objects.

For powerful standby installations you can safely apply more complex power distributions, which will form a soft load, smoothly passing from the synchronized unit and vice versa. Manufacturers themselves argue that such generators are increasingly being used in situations where it is necessary to reduce the final value of peak loads.

Principle of operation

Over the years, a wide variety of units for automatic redundancy have appeared on the market, which are equipped with a powerful microprocessor controller. Despite the huge assortment, models with a control relay-controller are in the greatest demand. The device continuously analyzes the signals from the voltage sensors, as well as timely detects a power failure and initiates a quick start of the generator.

If a novice wizard considers the ATS connection diagram from the point of view of electrical engineering, then this task may seem too complicated. The point is that various technical difficulties and unavoidable time delays make it difficult to instantly obtain backup electricity. To ensure that such equipment perfectly copes with its main tasks and does not fail at the most crucial moment, you need to familiarize yourself with its functionality in advance:

1. Modern ATS models can be used not only with gasoline, electric, gas, but also with diesel generators.
2. The user can always choose the most suitable type of backup network - single-phase or three-phase.
3. The system provides constant monitoring of the engine temperature.
4. Providing a full cycle of operation of the backup source: automated starting of the generator at the moment, when the centralized power supply has disappeared or the voltage level has exceeded all permissible indicators. Numerous useful functions are provided that continuously monitor the operation of the generator and protect it from overload. When the main electricity appears, there is a stop and subsequent cooling of the uninterruptible source.
5. The presence of a test weekly start of the generator (the master can set the exact date and time for this procedure).
6. Convenient control of the air damper drive.
7. You can always activate the economy mode of the equipment.
8. Fixed battery voltage monitoring. This function allows the generator to start only when the generator battery is completely discharged.
9. Some ATS models have extended functionality for connecting auxiliary modules: GSM-modem, BIP.
10. A high-quality meter that shows the remaining time until scheduled maintenance.

Independent manufacture of the AVR unit

A high-quality automatic transfer switch for a generator is very expensive, so many household the craftsmen decide to make this device with their own hands, using the same details as in the standard factory aggregates. The main and most expensive part is the multifunctional controller.

To provide the power section the masters use contactors that are used to ensure the transfer from the main line to the local network. In order to compactly place all the parts, you need to prepare a fairly spacious cabinet or a shield that will most of all be suitable in size for the unit being manufactured.

The traditional ATS circuit is always equipped with an automated control mechanism that operates due to the normal constant voltage. The high-quality implementation of this idea is entrusted to the power supply unit. Most often, experts use a standard high-power battery, since under increased loads a low-power unit quickly discharges.

It is the power supply that controls the level of the output voltage. It is worth noting that all component parts must be bought exclusively in trusted retail stores, giving preference to well-known manufacturers. In order to avoid the most common mistakes during assembly, it is necessary to use a professional ATS circuit for the generator. With your own hands, you can make a high-quality model that will meet all operational requirements.

When choosing a controller, it is necessary to check the presence of an inverse air damper. This unit is especially useful in situations where the consumer is using a generator with a mechanical damper.

When buying durable contactors, you need to focus on the performance indicators. When the equipment does not have electromechanical protection, it must be purchased separately.

When all the elements are in stock, you can safely start making ATS. You need to start with the installation of all elements and assemblies in the inner compartment of the electrical panel. This process should be carried out in such a way that no crossings between the conductors are formed, and all contacts and terminals are easily accessible. Next, the power unit and controllers are connected.

Parallel connection of a backup generator with a centralized power grid is considered unacceptable. Otherwise, the uninterruptible power supply can be severely damaged up to the complete breakdown of all components. To protect the equipment from such negative consequences, it is necessary to purchase special shields that provide both manual and automatic switching to a reserve input. On sale you can find universal varieties of high-current load switches, as well as multifunctional automatic voltage regulators of the generator used.

In the process of connection, the presence of two powerful cables, which are included in the automatic reserve shield, must be taken into account. One of them must be designed for the main network, and the second for the backup power line. Their alternate use is due to different algorithms for the operation of the equipment. But at the exit to the consumer, only one power cable is pulled.

Distinctive functions

Modern ATS units provide automatic start of the generator in the event of a power failure on the main line. At the same time, such a unit controls the operation of the starter, the fuel valve, the preheating of the installation plug and the air damper drive. When the voltage on the main line is restored, the ATS independently disconnects the load supply from the generator, due to which a gradual cooling of the entire installation occurs. In addition, automatic input of the reserve differs in other functions:

1. The unit must include a generator battery charger.
2. Some models allow you to control the temperature of the crankcase of the engine of a gasoline installation in order to continuously control the choke, depending on the level of engine heating. Thanks to this function, overheating of the main working unit is prevented.
3. More expensive models are equipped with powerful batteries that cope well with heavy loads.
4. The ATS unit can be connected to a personal computer (RS 485 interface). The user can fine tune the constants and parameters that will read all current measurements.
5. Installing a GSM modem will allow you to remotely start and stop the generator via SMS messages. The specialist can control the unit operation mode at a convenient time, as well as read the actual telemetry data.
6. Built-in bypass. When the main control controller fails, the generator can be started independently.
7. The presence of the "Emergency stop" button. The generator can be forcibly stopped if an unexpected situation occurs.

Additional time delays

When the main power supply is restored, a short delay is essential to ensure that there is sufficient load to disconnect the backup power supply. Most often, its duration varies from 1 to 30 minutes. The ATS should automatically bypass the existing time delay and return to the main power line. In addition, the equipment needs engine cooling. All this time, the control system controls the unloaded motor until it stops completely.

Experienced technicians state that it is best to transfer the load to the backup generator at the moment when the appropriate frequency and voltage levels are reached. In rare cases, the end user wants to achieve a sequential switchover to a standby generator.

To achieve such an effect from the installation, it is necessary to equip several ATS circuits at once for an uninterrupted source of electricity, which are triggered with individual time delays. Only then can all loads be connected to the generator in any order. The main thing is that all the parts are of high quality and perfectly fulfill the assigned tasks.